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ScholarWorks > HHS > OT > OJOT > Vol. 14 > Iss. 1 (2026)

 

Credentials Display

Praveen Injeti, OTD, OTR/L, MFT; Julie Kugel, OTD, OTR/L, DipACLM; Dragana Krpalek, PhD, OTR/L; Liane Hewitt, DrPH, CHES, OTR/L; Lida Gharibvand, PhD, MS

Abstract

Background: Low self-esteem (LSE) can negatively impact adolescent mental health, leading to suicidal ideation (SI). Social stressors, such as peer rejections, are considered a source of stress that can contribute to LSE, SI, and subsequent admission to psychiatric facilities. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an occupational therapy intervention to improve self-awareness and self-esteem during short-term hospitalization.

Method: The research used a mixed methods approach to evaluate the impact of a psychoeducational intervention by an occupational therapist on 16 adolescents. The Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) was used before the intervention (pretest), immediately after the intervention (posttest A), and 30–40 days after the intervention (posttest B). Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews at three days and 30-40 days postintervention.

Results: The RSES mean score increased from 8.56 at pretest to 16.19 at posttest A (Wilcoxon, z = -3.52, p < 0.001) and 17.69 at posttest B (Wilcoxon, z = -3.11, p = 0.002). Of the 16 participants, three did not respond when contacted for the 30–40-day posttest B.

Conclusion: The occupational therapy intervention appeared to improve self-esteem, with continued improvements up to 40 days postdischarge. Further research is needed.

Comments

The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.

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